Inter-machine buffer for mailpiece fabrication system

US9573709B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Pitney Bowes Inc. · US

Inventors

• Carl L. Chapman · Monroe, US
• Arthur H. DePoi · Brookfield, US
• Boris Rosenfeld · Danbury, US
• John R. Masotta · Bethel, US
• Aris Ballestrazzi · Savignano sul Panaro, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 1, 2012
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Feb 19, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B9/06
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for wrapping sheet material to produce finished mailpieces includes an upstream content module, a downstream mailpiece assembly module including a wrapper module adapted to encapsulate content material, and a buffer module interposing the upstream content and downstream assembly modules. The buffer module includes a plurality of buffer gates adapted to convey the content material from an upstream gate to a downstream gate to maintain a threshold pitch distance between successive pieces of content material. A controller is operatively coupled to the modules and controls the conveyance of content material through the buffer gates. More specifically, the controller coordinates the delivery and insertion of content material into the wrapper module to minimize dry-holes, maintain stresses below a threshold level to ensure continued operation, and optimize system throughput.